Roselle Park Celebrates 112th Birthday

ROSELLE PARK — With one swift cut, Pat Pagnetti of the Roselle Park Museum and Historical Society, cut a beautifully decorated birthday cake which commemorated the 112th Birthday of the Borough of Roselle Park on Friday, March 22.

The Historical Society designated last Friday as the first Annual “Roselle Park Day” and celebrated with a daylong open house at the museum. One night earlier, Pagnetti and a group of onlookers watched as Mayor Joe Accardi signed a proclamation issued by the Mayor and Council, pronouncing March 22 of each year, “Roselle Park Day.”

To add to the ceremony, Accardi signed the proclamation with the same original ink pen that was used by Governor Foster Vorhees to sign the original incorporation documents on March 22, 1901. Additionally Pagnetti and her group presented the Council with two professionally framed maps now hanging in chamber.

“One of our goals is to fill borough hall with the presence of local history,” Pagnetti said.

Pagnetti, surrounded by many community residents, was very happy to be hosting the celebration. “We not only want to celebrate the town’s 112th birthday, but start an annual celebration of our town and its history. Roselle Park Day will be celebrated yearly, from here on out.”

Accardi elaborated on the celebration and birthday. “Since that christening 112 years ago we have developed and grown, through good times and bad, disagreements and adversity, always becoming a better place to live.” He finished by stating “Happy Birthday Roselle Park – may the past 112 years be the precursor of many great years to come!”

First Ward Councilman Andrew Casais commented, “Every time I hear the history behind the beginnings of our Borough, I feel more honored to serve the community in a public service capacity. I hope to keep with the innovative hopes and objectives of our founders.”

Second Ward Councilwoman Charlene Komar Storey added, “The Historical Society did a beautiful job of putting the birthday celebration together. The framed maps are a wonderful, permanent addition to Borough Hall. And I was especially impressed with their interpretation of the 1901 governor’s desk, complete with the pen used for the actual signing, an antique blotter and more. All these great ideas made the event extra-special, and reflected their love for the borough.”

The Roselle Park Museum, filled with historical documents, photos and artifacts, is located at 9 W. Grant Avenue in Roselle Park and can be reached at 1-908-245-1776.